“Social networking is playing an increasing role in how individual investors plan their finances,” said Michael Curcio, president of E*Trade Securities. “The E*Trade Community is an extension of our educational offering for customers looking to supplement what they learn from the more traditional sources. Our customers appreciate access to the knowledge and strategies of like-minded individuals.”

Available to all clients, participants can take the pulse of the community by seeing real-time market sentiment, see which stocks are being traded the most and see which members are the top performers. Members can also start discussions and provide buy, sell and hold opinions on individual stocks. Members can also find and follow like-minded investors.

However, members’ individual names, account numbers and account values will be shielded.

“The E*Trade customer base is the ideal group to adopt the community concept,” Curcio continued. “Our customers are highly engaged, self-directed and comfortable with technology and social networking. We are confident that E*Trade customers will embrace the E*Trade Community.”